In conversation with ceramic artist Yeonjae Choi
This Aotearoa-based artist shares how she’s honouring her heritage with ceramics and how a new online art gallery is allowing her to share her work further.
Can you tell me about your creative journey, was there always a passion for art and creativity growing up?
I’ve been into art for as long as I can remember. I must have dipped my toes in everything from painting, photography, printmaking, fashion, etc. before settling on ceramics. My parents noticed my creativity early on and were very supportive of it, which was special.
How has your experience of immigrating to Aotearoa from South Korea influenced your work today?
My family immigrated here when I was six years old and this part of my life is definitely something that I communicate with my artworks. I went through a phase of rejecting my culture and ‘studying’ western culture to assimilate, and now I am sort of trying to recognise and unlearn those habits/harmful notions through my art. Now I want to celebrate what makes me who I am. I think ceramics is so attractive to me because it represents a connection to my heritage. Korea has such a rich and incredibly long history of ceramics and I’m enjoying the process of learning and exploring these ideas.
“I think ceramics is so attractive to me because it represents a connection to my heritage. Korea has such a rich and incredibly long history of ceramics.”
I understand you initially studied fashion design at RMIT. Is there any crossover between what you learned in fashion and the work you create today?
My works are primarily about what’s going on inside the person/vessel/body, and I think this comes after the fact that I had some time trying to dress the outside of the body while studying fashion – something that wasn’t giving me the satisfaction or validation I was craving.
Do you have a favourite ceramic piece you’ve made?
I have a love-hate relationship with my lamp works that have the glass faces. I love what I’ve achieved with this new material, but it really takes a lot of work.
“I think this comes after the fact that I had some time trying to dress the outside of the body while studying fashion – something that wasn’t giving me the satisfaction or validation I was craving.”
I see that you also teach pottery. Can you tell me about this? What do you enjoy about it?
I started tutoring in uni to support my art practice. I think as most emerging artists find, it’s impossible to survive only though your art in the beginning. It’s a really fun and rewarding job to be able to share your skills and watch other people’s love for ceramics grow as well.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love the moment when I get that new idea – like a light bulb in your brain. The most fun part is playing and trying to figure out how to make this new piece. What kind of iterations could it take? How do I make the shape work physically?
Have there been any career highlights for you as an artist?
I had my first semi-solo show at Corban Estate Art Centre this year!
What has been your experience in selling your work in Aotearoa? What does it mean to you to have your work listed on Artfull?
It’s been a really exciting journey to get to the point where people are buying my artworks. I like to think that the intentions and style I bring to my works are resonating with people in this community. I am very grateful to be given the opportunity to be listed on Artfull. It’s given me another community of people that has brought another level of exposure and support for me as an artist.
Auckland, New Zealand
